Struggling Meals On Wheels programs across the country are not seeing their usual rush of volunteers or increase in charitable contributions this year.

A recent poll conducted by Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) found that 45% of Meals On Wheels programs in the U.S. do not have as many corporate partners and individual donors supporting them in their mission to feed homebound seniors this holiday season as opposed to years past. In addition to the drop in donations, 38% of programs reported a decrease in their number of volunteers.

“Our Meals On Wheels programs are desperate for help because of the recession,” said Enid Borden, President and CEO of MOWAA. “Giving is down, volunteerism is down, but the need to feed our seniors is up.”

A national research study sponsored by the Meals On Wheels Association of America Foundation (MOWAAF), “The Causes, Consequences, and Future of Senior Hunger in America,” discovered that 1 in 9 seniors is at-risk of hunger in the U.S. today. This number is expected to rise along with the rapid growth of older adult population.

“We are asking people to remember those less fortunate this holiday and give back,” said Borden. “Our seniors need us.”

In response to the needs of local Meals On Wheels programs, the Wal-Mart Foundation announced that it will provide a $750,000 grant to Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA). The grant will be used to restore nutrition services that local Meals On Wheels programs have been forced to change or reduce because of severe operating constraints brought on by rising food and gas prices and the current economy. MOWAA will select between 60-80 local programs to receive grants up to $10,000 each.

"Nearly 48 percent of the local Meals On Wheels programs reported they were forced to eliminate meal delivery routes and 38 percent were forced to reduce the number of clients they could accept," said Enid Borden, President and CEO of Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA). "The Wal-Mart Foundation's support will help alleviate some of these rising numbers."

"In these difficult times, the work that we do to support the communities we serve is more important than ever," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. "And to reinforce our commitment to support organizations that create opportunities for individuals and families to live better, we plan to increase our charitable giving in 2009."

This holiday season, Subaru is holding a sales event centered on giving back. For every vehicle sold or leased through January 2nd, Subaru will donate $250 to the consumer's choice of five major charities, one of which is MOWAA.

Some of the Subaru dealerships are even encouraging their costumers to volunteer for the local MOWAA Member program in their area or have signed up to deliver meals themselves. We can't thank Subaru enough for this wonderful opportunity and for thinking of our Association. To learn more about Subaru or the Share the Love event, see your local dealer or visit: www.subaru.com/share

The Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest national organization in the United States representing those programs that provide meals to people in need. To obtain more information about MOWAA or to locate a local Meals On Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.org.